Simple and Complex Carbohydrates

Presented by:Jose Lara

Kristy LopezElizabeth Martinez

What are Carbohydrates?

• the main nutrient in grain products• the fuel that keeps the body going• most preferred source of energy • they make up the largest volume (60%) of our

daily food. • Recommended intake per the USDA is 14

grams per 1000 calories.

Which Carbohydrate is Better? Simple or Complex

The Bell Curve Explanation

Complex Carbohydrates = long sustained, over the long-haul continuous energy supply

Simple Carbohydrates =

quick high, quick low

If you can’t remember the list…

• Read the labels. – If the label lists sugar, sucrose, fructose, corn

syrup, white or "wheat" flour, they contain simple carbohydrates.

– If these ingredients are at the top of the list, they may contain mostly simple carbohydrates, and little else.

• The closer you get to nature, the closer you get to health.

References:• Activity from Utah Education Network:

http://www.uen.org/Lessonplan/preview.cgi?LPid=1264• Bell curve picture from:

http://whirledview.typepad.com/whirledview/images/bell_curve.jpg • Complex carbohydrates picture from:

http://adam.about.com/encyclopedia/Complex-carbohydrates.htm • Recommended carbohydrate intake from:

http://www.health.gov/DietaryGuidelines/dga2005/document/pdf/Chapter7.pdf

• Simple carbohydrates picture from: http://www.avera.org/adam/images/ency/fullsize/19534.jpg